Aiming to be the facilitator of a sustainable and regenerative growth model in Turkey by making sustainability a way of doing business, Zorlu Energy continues to enhance its Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) performance. Moving forward with the objective of developing the business model of the future with its sustainability-focused approach based on impact-oriented growth, Zorlu Energy’s activities in the field of ESG have been evaluated by Vigeo Eiris, an independent rating and research institution, since 2018. As a result of the 2021 evaluation, Zorlu Enerji increased its performance score by 8 points compared to the previous year and ranked 4th among 54 energy companies.

Continuing to improve its growth strategy around innovation and R&D, Zorlu Enerji was awarded a 100 percent fund for its JIDEP (Joint Industrial Data Exchange Pipeline) project as part of the Horizon Europe programme, which was set up by the European Union with the goal of supporting research, development and innovation projects. The project, which aims to recycle composite materials used in many different sectors, namely automotive and maritime, will directly contribute to the circular economy and waste management.

Zorlu Holding, with its “responsible investment holding” approach adopted in line with its Smart Life 2030 strategy, focuses on creating high value for its companies, stakeholders, society and the future in the fields of environmental, social and governance, while continuing to broaden and update its knowledge in the field of sustainability by feeding on different channels. The first of the Smart Life Meetings, organized by Zorlu Holding to convey its knowledge in the field of sustainability to all its colleagues, and to better keep up with the global and local developments in the field, was held with the theme of “Sustainable Finance”. The guest of the first event was Burcu Ünüvar, Department Head of Economic Research at Industrial Development Bank of Turkey (TSKB).

Clean water and sanitation issues were discussed within the scope of Solutions to Problems Meetings, organized by the Sustainability Steps Association with UNDP Turkey as the solution partner and the support of Zorlu Holding. In the first session of the online meeting held on March 22 World Water Day, the issue of clean water and sanitation, the 6th item of the 17-item Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was discussed. In the event, which brought together social entrepreneurs, academics, non-governmental organizations, private sector and public institutions, the relationship between the climate crisis and water, and the extent of water consumption in different sectors were evaluated.

Continuing to work for a better future in line with its Smart Life 2030 strategy, Zorlu Holding prepares young people for a new future through trainings offered under the umbrella of Smart Life Academy. The “Training for a Sustainable Future” programme, of which the Holding is the main partner, was launched on February 5. Organized under the leadership of the open innovation laboratory imeceLAB of imece, of which Zorlu Holding is a founding partner, Boğaziçi University Lifelong Learning Center (BÜYEM), Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and S360, the programme received applications from 975 university students, 150 of which were chosen to participate. During the three-week programme, students had the opportunity to learn about many sustainability-related topics.

Run by the Mehmet Zorlu Foundation (MZV) and MEF University with the aim of preparing the youth for the new century, the “21st Century Competencies Education Programme” was launched with a busy training schedule. Organized in collaboration with MEF University by Mehmet Zorlu Foundation, which aims to contribute to raising generations that dream, believe and trust in themselves, and running with the objective of preparing the high school and university students in Turkey to the conditions of the new century, the “MZV-MEF YetGen 21st Century Competencies Education Programme” received over 10 thousand applications this year, with 1,375 students qualifying to join. Featuring courses such as technology literacy, literacies of the 21st century, entrepreneurship, sustainability, social innovation, leadership, and transition to the business world, the certified trainings can be watched live by anyone on the YouTube channels of Yetkin Gençler and Mehmet Zorlu Foundation.

Considered one of the most prestigious music festivals in Europe, Sónar İstanbul brought music lovers together in the unique atmosphere of İstanbul on March 18-19 with the contribution of %100 Music. 30 successful musicians and 9 successful visual artists with their designs on Sonar Screen gave their performances at the İstanbul leg of Sónar, held at Zorlu Performing Arts Center and eagerly awaited by music lovers every year. Within the scope of the two-day event, where approximately 7,000 people enjoyed a unique musical experience, the participants experienced an uninterrupted musical performance at Zorlu PSM for a total of 12 hours. Sónar +D Istanbul, the creativity and technology platform of Sónar İstanbul, which was organized in parallel with the event, was also held with the contribution of Digilogue, with a programme that included important and up-to-date content.